‘Fat-blocking’ Pepsi is an American dieter’s dream come true

Soda and healthy in the same sentence? Could it be true? Someone get me a flight to Japan because I absolutely must try this alleged “fat-blocking” Pepsi from the land of the rising sun.

Appropriately titled Pepsi Special, this magical edition of the carbonated goodness claims to have fat-blocking powers thanks to the addition of dextrin, a soluble fiber that gives off the effect of fullness. This means the more you drink Pepsi Special, the quicker you’ll feel full – in turn curbing your portion sizes and reducing your body’s overall fat absorption. Simply put, it’s a caramelized Benefiber of sorts, complete with an hourglass-shaped bottle and an aftertaste that’s “crisp, refreshing, and unique.”

Although Pepsi Special does seem like a wacky diet fad, the rationale behind it is somewhat supported by scientific claims. According to Forbes, a 2006 Japanese experiment conducted on rats found that rats fed dextrin absorbed “significantly” less fat than those that weren’t fed dextrin. Just how well this research translates to the human body is up for discussion, since dextrin is a synthetic type of fiber unlike stuff naturally found in oats, barley, and vegetables.

Still, putting Pepsi Special on this year’s Christmas wish list sounds ideal, isn’t it? Here’s a food for thought: Before you plan to order wholesale imports straight from Japan, take a second to imagine what it’d be like to drink gallons of carbonated Metamucil a day. Fiber, as you may already know, helps move your digestive tracks along… so just envision yourself at the movies, running out of Skyfallto drop a big one, or even visualize buying what is basically a literal Poopsi. Suddenly, it ain’t all sexy anymore.

But if you are going to be in Japan, the product officially launched this week at approximately $2 a bottle so give it a try, if you dare, and let us know how it tastes. If the miraculous claims hold true, maybe this is one way we can convince New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to lift the ban of giant-sized sodas and spend the extra tax dollars on public bathrooms. The world knows we’ll need ’em.